ABUJA, Nigeria — Open Alliance, a press freedom advocacy group, has called for the immediate release of investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu, who is being detained over reports examining government expenditure.
The organisation condemned the prosecution of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) reporter, warning that criminal proceedings against journalists investigating public funds threaten press freedom and government accountability.
Ojukwu was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre by a Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, after pleading not guilty to 12 charges involving alleged cyberstalking and criminal defamation.
His bail application is scheduled for hearing on December 1.
In a statement made available to The Trent, Open Alliance urged the Federal Government and the Attorney-General of the Federation to intervene and ensure that Ojukwu is released without conditions.
Group Condemns Prosecution Over Public Spending Reports
The case concerns investigative reports published by FIJ about alleged irregularities in expenditure by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs).
Open Alliance said journalists must be allowed to investigate the management of public resources without facing intimidation or imprisonment.
The organisation expressed concern that the detention and prosecution could discourage reporters from examining government activities and demanding explanations from public officials.
It maintained that scrutiny of public expenditure was a legitimate journalistic responsibility that should not result in criminal punishment.
The group acknowledged that public officials have the right to pursue legal remedies when they believe published reports have damaged their reputations.
However, it warned against using criminal proceedings to discourage investigative reporting or prevent public scrutiny.
Open Alliance said the case raised wider concerns about freedom of expression and the protection of civic participation in Nigeria.
Journalist Faces 12 Criminal Charges
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Ojukwu is being prosecuted alongside FIJ founder Fisayo Soyombo over investigations published between late 2023 and early 2024.
The reports examined government contracts associated with Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, who served as a senior presidential aide on sustainable development goals under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Ojukwu denied all 12 charges when he appeared before the Federal High Court.
The court subsequently ordered his detention pending consideration of his bail application.
Soyombo was not present at the hearing.
The charges arise under provisions of Nigeria’s cybercrime and criminal laws.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Orelope-Adefulire’s lawyer, Muiz Banire, defended the prosecution and maintained that journalists should be able to substantiate their published allegations.
The allegations against Ojukwu and Soyombo have not been established by the court.
Open Alliance Calls for End to Criminal Intimidation
Open Alliance urged the authorities to discontinue what it described as the use of cyberstalking and criminal defamation provisions to intimidate journalists.
It called on the government to protect media professionals from reprisals connected to their reporting.
The organisation said democratic accountability depended on the ability of journalists to investigate public institutions and question the management of government resources.
It also warned that prosecuting reporters over investigations into public expenditure could discourage other journalists from pursuing similar stories.
The organisation directed its appeal to the Federal Government, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and other relevant authorities.
It maintained that journalists must be able to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities without the threat of criminal prosecution for legitimate reporting.
Press Freedom Organisations Demand Release
The Open Alliance statement adds to calls from other media freedom organisations for Ojukwu’s release.
The Committee to Protect Journalists has demanded that Nigerian authorities withdraw the charges against Ojukwu and Soyombo.
The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism has also condemned Ojukwu’s detention.
The centre said the proceedings raised concerns about the treatment of journalists who investigate allegations involving public officials.
Ojukwu had previously been detained for 10 days in 2024 in connection with reporting about the same government office.
His current detention has renewed calls for greater protection of investigative journalism and safeguards against the misuse of criminal laws.
Open Alliance maintained that the government should ensure his release and protect journalists investigating matters of public interest.
“Journalism is not a crime, and accountability must never be punished,” the organisation said.
